Single-dose and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of zaltoprofen after oral administration in healthy Chinese volunteers

Zaltoprofen, a propionic acid derivative of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, has strong inhibitory effects on actue and chronic inflammation. A randomized, dose-escalating study was conducted to evaluate the pharma-cokinetics of single and multiple oral doses of zaltoprofen in 12 healthy Chinese volunteers. Pharmacokinetics was determined from serial blood samples obtained up to 24 h after administration of a single dose of zaltoprofen at 80, 160 or 240 mg and after multiple doses of zaltqorofen at 80 mg 3 times daily. The Cmax and AUC0–24 of zaltoprofen were found to be proportional to drug dose. Zaltoprofen was rapidly absorbed (tmax =1.46±0.83 h) and cleared (t1/2 =4.96±2.97 h). Pharmacokinetic parameters after multiple doses were similar to those after single doses. Zaltoprofen was well tolerated. These results support a tid regimen of zaltoprofen for the management of acute and chronic inflammation.